Riley Mae and the Rock Shocker Trek is the debut book in new middle grade series

Looking for a new series for your middle grade girl? Zonderkidz recently released a new series, known as the 'FaithGirlz/Good News Shoes' series, by debut author Jill Osborne. The first title in this series is 'Riley Mae and the Rock Shocker Trek.' Here is the publisher's book description:

If you’re gonna run for your life, you gotta wear the right shoes. Riley Mae Hart loves sports and action---so when the Swiftriver Shoe Company offers her a contract to be the spokesperson for their new outdoor sport collection, she jumps at the chance. Soon she’s appearing in commercials and magazine ads, and every girl in town wants to wear Riley Mae shoes. Well, except for Riley. Because walking in those shoes means missing out on softball season, making her best friend TJ mad, and embarrassing her new friend, Rusty. It also means sneaking around, hiding, and keeping secrets---because suddenly something isn’t quite right at Swiftriver. But a contract’s a contract, so Riley laces up her “Rock Shocker” hiking boots for a climb up Half-Dome in Yosemite. Will they be the right shoes to get her back on solid ground?

The book has already been receiving rave reviews from both parents and kids. What appeals to them is a cast of relatable characters who hold the readers' attention with snappy dialogue, intelligence, and big hearts. Even those who appear to be a little different or strange are actually quite likeable. The kids go through some maturation and growth as they learn how to change their attitudes in life about what is really important. Little messages and Christian lessons are sprinkled throughout, without being overpowering. A little mystery that appears halfway through keeps readers' attention and adds a fun twist.